During the summer of 1991, Peter Gabriel hatched an idea for a new project for his label, Real World Records — one week of free-wheeling collaboration between international musicians. The result was something called Big Blue Ball, and the concept encapsulates Real World's overarching mission — to transcend divisions through music.

The genre "world music" is hard to define: It covers a broad range of styles and is constantly evolving. Take, for instance, the Gambian-English band JuJu — they derive equal inspiration from traditional West African music as they do from classic punk.

In 1989, musician Peter Gabriel launched Real World Records as a way to give international artists wider exposure. Now 25 years later, the label is still going strong. One of their most influential bands, Afro Celt Sound System, blended Irish airs and African beats in a dance-y, original style.

In 1989, musician Peter Gabriel launched Real World Records as a way to give international artists wider exposure. Now 25 years later, the label is still going strong. One of their most influential bands, Afro Celt Sound System, blended Irish airs and African beats in a dance-y, original style.

The genre "world music" is hard to define: It covers a broad range of styles and is constantly evolving. Take, for instance, the Gambian-English band JuJu — they derive equal inspiration from traditional West African music as they do from classic punk.

During the summer of 1991, Peter Gabriel hatched an idea for a new project for his label, Real World Records — one week of free-wheeling collaboration between international musicians. The result was something called Big Blue Ball, and the concept encapsulates Real World's overarching mission — to transcend divisions through music.